Sproles is out for the season and at 34-year-old, one has to wonder if that was his final NFL game.

He was much more than just one of the top punt returners in the NFL and one of the most dangerous third down backs. The 5-foot-6, 181-pound Sproles was one of the toughest players pound for pound in the NFL.

Besides being a dangerous running back, even at his size, Sproles was also an excellent blocker, with an ability to pick up the blitz.

Pederson suggested on Monday that second-year running back Wendell Smallwood and rookie Corey Clement of Glassboro High and the University of Wisconsin, would have a more prominent role in light of Sproles’ season-ending injury.

“I think Wendell on third down specifically, Corey, as well, they're going to have to step up and assume that role,” Pederson told reporters. “It's always been the next-guy-up mentality, and that's kind of where we're at right now.”

That doesn’t mean it will be easy to replace somebody whose outstanding professionalism was such a positive influence on his teammates.

“He's a great leader, well-liked on this team and in this locker room and in this community,” Pederson said about Sproles. “He's a lot of energy, and that's hard to replace. It's hard to replace. And so guys are just going to have to rally and pick up that spot and move forward.”

With so many injuries, teams don’t have time to dwell on the players not available.

Still, this is as good a time as any to reflect on Sproles career. He likely won’t end up Canton, but if this is it, then it has been quite a ride.